dmd1272,
I've been plowing throught the Kaplan book by studying it for one hour each day, and using the Kaplan flashcards randomly (even if I haven't read a particular section yet, I've found that the flashcards really spark my memory and I'm surprised at how much I remember). I didn't take the Kaplan course, but I got the flashcards from a friend who did.
School is out for me (BYU) and the end of April. At that point I'll have exactly 5 weeks before the DAT. Once school is out, I plan on devoting 9-4, M-F studying, and 10-2 every other Saturday. Every Saturday I'll be taking a practice test, as well.
I fully anticipate that I'll be prepared for the May 31 test date a couple of weeks early. At that point I'll reevaluate my studying and tone back a bit if I need to.
A big factor in preparing a study plan is to create one that you can stick with. Don't make it unreasonable or you'll just be setting yourself up to fail. Don't allot 8 hours a day to studying if you know you can only do 5. When you quit after the 5th hour you'll feel a little down because you didn't reach 8 hours -- that's not acceptable. Set a realistic goal. If after two weeks of 5 hours days you feel great, then move up to 7 hours a day -- but only if you need it!
One thing I've learned from college is how to study smart. If I can study material for one hour and learn it enough to get a 97%, then there is no point in studying 5 hours to get a 99% or 100%. Just my opinion, but I feel that getting exercise daily and have a recreation break will actually improve your DAT scores in the long run. Keeping yourself healthy will keep your brain happy. On my 9-4 study days, I plan on taking a 30 minute lunch, 15 minute walk, and 15 minute nap/meditation.
Anyway, sorry for rambling, but I'm really feeling comfortable with the exam at this point, and I've only put in a month or so of studying (1 hr/day) thus far.
Good luck to you!